Cornell suspends fraternity events amid 2024 allegations

Cornell University has suspended parties and other social events at fraternity houses for the remainder of the 2026-27 academic year and announced changes to campus sexual-misconduct investigations, following a former student’s civil allegations about an incident in 2024. The allegations have not been proven, and none of the seven men accused has been criminally charged. University President Michael Kotlikoff announced the measures Tuesday in a letter to the campus community. Cornell said the suspension would give the university time to review fraternity life and determine whether and how it can safely continue. The announcement also described a zero-tolerance policy under which violations could lead to the immediate emergency suspension of a chapter. Cornell said it would add experienced investigators and work with New York State Police on investigations of sexual misconduct on campus. The university also announced additional support through its Office of Civil Rights, including a case manager to help people reporting misconduct navigate the process. The changes follow a civil lawsuit filed last month by a former student identified in court documents as Jane Doe.